LG Channels – What You Need to Know

LG uses WebOS as its Smart TV operating system, which provides efficient and simple operation of the TV, network, and internet streaming features, including access to an abundant list of streaming channels, and full web browsing similar to a PC.

Enter LG Channels

To make the WebOS platform even more efficient, LG has partnered with Xumo to include an additional streaming app feature called LG Channels (formerly LG Channel Plus).

Although the Xumo App is an option for some other brands, LG includes it as part of the WebOS core experience for select FHD and UHD 2012-2018 LG LED/LCD or OLED smart TV models running or updated to WebOS 4.0 as well as select 2019 models running WebOS 4.5.

What Is LG Channels?

LG Channels provides direct access, via an onscreen app icon, to about 175 streaming channels without having to download and install each one. All the channels are free to view but may contain ads.

The channels offer news, sports, and entertainment from a variety of sources.

Some of the featured channels include:

• CBSN (IP-125)
• Funny or Die (IP-201)
• PBS Digital Studios (IP-370)
• Sports Illustrated (IP-738)
• The Hollywood Reporter (IP-320)
• TMZ (IP-323)

Check out the complete LG Channels Listing.

How to Activate LG Channels

If the LG Channels app icon isn't already showing your LG TV's menu bar, or the icon isn't active, here is how to activate it. 

1. Press Home on your TV Remote.

   

   Depending on the model of your LG TV, the remote control may look different than the one shown, with the buttons arranged differently. However, the appearance of the home button and other button icons is the same.

2. On the TV's home screen, select Settings.

   

   If your remote control has a Settings button, you can click on that instead of having to hit the home button first.

3. After selecting the Settings Icon on your remote or home page, the Settings Menu will display on either the left or right side of the TV screen. Scroll down to the bottom of the settings menu and select All Settings.

   

4. Select Channels

   

5. Make sure that LG Channels is set to ON.

   

   

   If you receive a notice that a new version or update is available, select the update. The update may periodically provide new channels.

6. Upon turning on LG Channels, you might see a Viewing Restriction Disclaimer. Select OK to continue.

   

7. Select the LG Channels icon on LG TV's WebOS Menu Bar.

   

8. Start watching LG Channels.

   

   

LG Channels Content Navigation

Once activated, you can access LG Channels directly from the icon located on the main menu bar that runs along the bottom of the TV screen.

When you click on the LG Channels icon, it takes you to a full-page channel navigation menu.

As you scroll through the menu, a brief description of each channel you highlight will display in the top portion of the screen. You will also notice that each "channel" also has an assigned number, which you can also use to access the channel if you don't want to scroll.

You can tag your favorite channels with a "star" so that they are easier to find later, as well.

In all cases, when you find what you want, select it to watch.

LG Channels Listing Combined with Antenna TV Listings

If you receive over-the-air TV broadcasts via antenna and have also activated LG Channels, you can access both via the Live TV icon on the LG TV menu bar.

Upon selecting the Live TV icon, you will have access to a combined list of over-the-air and LG channels. The LG channel offerings are mixed right in with a TV's OTA channel listings, so you don't have to choose one or the other. You can browse everything at once.

Unlike cable/satellite and streaming services, over-the-air TV viewers don't have to leave the main channel selection menu to access the new internet streaming channels that LG Channels offers.

For OTA TV viewers, LG Channels provides more seamless content access and navigation, making finding that favorite show or niche content more accessible and faster.

LG Channels By Other Names

XUMO has also expanded the LG Channels concept to other TV brands, including:

• Hisense/Sharp: 60 channels are available through the virtual input selection feature.
• Magnavox, Sanyo, and Philips Roku TVs and Roku Media Streamers: The XUMO App can be added on Roku media streamers and Roku TVs via the Roku Channel Store.
• Samsung: The Xumo App is available via the Samsung App Store.
• Vizio: Available through Vizio TVs featuring Internet Apps Plus. Vizio also offers an additional alternative in partnership with Pluto TV that it refers to as WatchFree on 2018 models going forward.

The Bottom Line

LG's partnership with XUMO is part of a continuing trend that blurs the steps usually needed to access broadcast, cable, satellite, and internet streaming content.

Instead of the consumer having to figure out which menu holds a specific content provider or app, it can all be in one integrated list similar to a channel guide you might find for cable or satellite TV.

Where your programming comes from isn't the main concern – your TV should be able to access and deliver it to you without you having to find it.

For best access speed and performance, LG/XUMO suggests an internet speed of at least 5mbps.